Technically speaking, WE DON’T TRUST YOU marks Future and Metro Boomin’s first official joint project. This statement feels almost misleading, given the duo’s decade-long collaboration that has set the gold standard for trap rap. Future’s Auto-Tuned vocals and lyrics about the trials and tribulations of the trap, paired with Metro’s infectious drum patterns and rattling 808s, have become iconic in modern rap. Thus, labeling this album as their “first collaborative project” seems to undersell their extensive history of working together on Future’s solo albums, collaborations, and multi-platinum singles. Despite their long-standing partnership, WE DON’T TRUST YOU carries a distinct tone. This album feels like a personification of their iconic producer tags, delivering more poignant and purposeful tracks, especially in the first half.
Listeners will immediately notice the album’s strong start. The first six tracks are powerful, almost forming a perfect EP. However, the remaining 11 tracks fail to maintain this momentum, sounding more like Foot Locker playlist background noise compared to the electrifying opening. As a result, WE DON’T TRUST YOU doesn’t fully realize its potential. The title track, “We Don’t Trust You,” is a slow-burning trap anthem that lays out the album’s theme: “Fake written all over you… we don’t trust you.” This track transitions seamlessly into the Weeknd-assisted “Young Metro,” which might become the album’s most streamed track, thanks to its face-melting synths and rapid-fire hi-hats. “Ice Attack” and “Claustrophobic” are quintessential “Future prod. By Metro Boomin” tracks that fit perfectly within their previous work and will likely remain timeless. “Type Shit” features Travis Scott and Playboi Carti, with their dystopian vocals complementing Metro’s harrowing beat, reminiscent of medieval church bells and thundering 808s.
A glimmer of variety appears in the Rick Ross-assisted “Everyday Hustle,” featuring a soul sample with snappy drums and hi-hats reminiscent of old Kanye. Ross’s verse is top-notch, adding some depth to the album. However, the Kendrick Lamar verse on “Like That” stands out, delivering a verse that can both elevate and overshadow the album. Kendrick’s shots at Drake and J. Cole with lines like, “Fuck sneak dissin’, first person shooter/ I hope they came with three switches,” and the provocative, “Muthafuck the Big 3/ It’s just big me,” are sure to dominate discussions. While this verse adds energy to the album, it also shifts the focus away from Future and Metro’s chemistry. In summary, WE DON’T TRUST YOU would have benefited from being shorter. The first half showcases the deep musical connection between Metro and Future, with scattered gems in the latter part. Fans will notice the shift from focused material to filler tracks. Nonetheless, Future and Metro Boomin have consistently delivered high-quality tracks that push the boundaries of trendiness and timelessness.
English